News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Power & Politics
Rebuilding The Bronx
Taking Action
Sunny
74°
Local
Crime
Weather
Power & Politics
Rebuilding The Bronx
Taking Action
Screenshot 2026-08-29 120407

Brooklyn man charged after setting himself on fire in Manhattan office building

Butch was arrested later that day and charged with arson, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.

Molly Bruton

Aug 29, 2026, 12:20 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A Brooklyn man was arrested after allegedly setting himself on fire in the lobby of a Manhattan office building Friday afternoon, according to the NYPD.

Police say officers responded to 315 Hudson St. at approximately 2:58 p.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting that a man had set himself on fire inside the building.

Upon arrival, officers found 63-year-old John Butch suffering from burns to his body.

He was transported by EMS to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in stable condition.

Butch was arrested later that day and charged with arson, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.

No other injuries were reported.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices